Does Asbestos Cause Mesothelioma?
The exposure to asbestos fibers is linked to mesothelioma. These fibers can either be inhaled or swallowed. They can cause inflammation and scar tissue, which can cause cancer.
The majority of patients with mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos. Exposure could have been occupational or environmental. Mesothelioma may develop for in as long as 50 years after exposure.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals that are durable and resistant to corrosion and heat. Due to its durability, fire resistance and insulation properties, asbestos was used extensively in the construction industry in the past, especially for building materials like flooring and roofing. However, asbestos's health risks led to its decline.
When asbestos is exposed to the air it releases tiny fibers into the air that can be inhaled by people working or living near by. Asbestos fibers can be trapped in the lungs following inhalation. This can cause respiratory illnesses, including mesothelioma and cancers of larynx, ovary and other respiratory organs.
Asbestos is so durable that it can stay in the environment for a long period of time. It poses a health risk for asbestos-related workers and the families of those who work with asbestos. It can also be dangerous for those who live near industrial sites.
Asbestos is released into the air due to mining and manufacturing activities. It can also be released by accidental disturbances or demolition work or through the inadvertent disposal of asbestos-containing products.
Once asbestos is in the environment, it may affect air, water and soil. This could affect the health of animals, plants, and humans. It can also be consumed or inhaled, leading to illness. Asbestos can stay suspended in the air for extended periods of time, allowing it to travel over long distances.
Asbestos inhalation increases your chance of developing diseases like mesothelioma and lung cancer. It can take years for these illnesses to develop. Talk to your doctor about regular tests for asbestos exposure, specifically x-rays or CT scans. Smoking increases the risk for asbestos-related illnesses.
The most common way to become exposed to asbestos is through occupational exposure. Many workers in areas that involve mining, manufacturing and ship repair are at risk for exposure to asbestos. Other hazards include working in asbestos-contaminated areas during renovations or home improvements or being in close proximity to a mine. Even though very low levels of asbestos are present in the natural environment, most people do not become ill due to this exposure.
How can Asbestos exposed?
While the main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos in the workplace however, it is possible for people to also be exposed to asbestos through exposure from secondhand sources. Exposure can occur when fibres are released in the air as a result of an alteration of the material, for example, during product usage demolition, home maintenance or building work or renovation or repair. Inhaling these fibres increases your chances of developing lung cancers, such as asbestosis, peritoneal carcinoma, and mesothelioma.
Asbestos fibers are small and easily inhaled. They also can remain trapped in the lungs over an extended period of time. Asbestosis is caused by the formation of a thick scar tissue develops in the lung. This scar tissue behaves in a different way from healthy lung tissue and makes it harder to breathe. The scar tissue can cause inflammation in the lungs which can lead breathing problems. Asbestosis is a long-lasting progressive illness. The signs of asbestosis typically manifest after a long time following exposure and the damage to the lung is permanent.
It is important to tell your doctor about any previous history of asbestos exposure. Shortness of breath, bloody coughs or chest pains are often mistakenly interpreted as other diseases. Regular visits to a doctor who is familiar with asbestos symptoms can increase the chances of an early diagnosis.
In a number of studies, mesothelioma has been found in family members of asbestos-exposed workers, such as those in shipbuilding, mining and asbestos cement manufacturing. In one report, ten out of 52 cases were women whose fathers or husbands had occupational asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma case study that examined mesothelioma from communities with industrial or residential exposures found elevated standardized mortality rates in communities that received vermiculite from the Libby mines, Montana.
Asbestos lawsuits caused the US to eliminate the use of asbestos by the 1980s. A number of countries have banned the material completely. However, those who have been exposed will suffer from asbestos related illnesses until they die. Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos are entitled compensation and should consult with mesothelioma attorneys regarding filing a lawsuit.
What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma
The symptoms of mesothelioma vary based on the kind and location of the tumor, as well as the stage of cancer. Certain symptoms, like breathing difficulty, chest pain and abdominal swelling, are common to all kinds of mesothelioma. Others, such as the pleural effusion (a accumulation of fluid inside the lungs) are more specific to pleural mesothelioma. Asbestos sufferers can also experience mesothelioma of the peritoneal region which can lead to abdominal pain, bowel obstruction and a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
When asbestos fibers are removed from their original location in a product or building they can be swallowed or inhaled. They then become embedded in the lining of the lung or other organs. These fibers can cause mesothelioma scarring.
The symptoms of pleural fibrosis are similar to those of other illnesses like influenza, pneumonia and chronic obstructive lung disease. Patients can also experience fever and weight gain, fatigue and abdominal pain. Those who develop mesothelioma of the peritoneal region may experience nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting and trouble digesting food.
The majority of mesothelioma patients had a history of asbestos exposure. People are exposed to asbestos when they work in or around places that contain asbestos, like shipyards, power plants, and construction sites. Workers who handle asbestos materials are at the highest risk for exposure, including insulation workers as well as electricians, plumbers, and construction workers. People who worked in military bases or shipyards are also at higher risk, as are those who were exposed to asbestos through clothing of family members who brought home contaminated clothing, shoes and tools.
Asbestos can cause cancers that are different than mesothelioma. It can increase the risk of developing colorectal, stomach, ovarian and colorectal cancers as also gastrointestinal and lung tract diseases, including leukemia and lymphoma.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should seek regular medical check-ups and be aware of any unusual or persistent symptoms. People with a history involving asbestos exposure should also request their physician to refer them to mesothelioma specialists to prevent being misdiagnosed.
What is the treatment option for Mesothelioma?
It is possible to be confused if someone close to you was recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. Early diagnosis is crucial because the signs of mesothelioma can be similar to other illnesses. Your doctor should be aware of the asbestos exposure and refer you to a specialist. Mesothelioma specialists have the training and experience to help you make a right diagnosis.
Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs in the thin layer of tissue that lines the insides of a variety of internal organs, including the chest (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). Asbestos exposure can cause these cells become malignant, and then grow in uncontrolled amounts. The growths that result could be cancer-like or not. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, but it can be fatal if it develops in the lungs or abdominal cavity.
Asbestos fibers become airborne when they are agitated or moved, and then people inhale or swallow them. The fibers can cause irritation to tissues, causing scarring that can lead to mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can also affect the heart's lining and the reproductive organs.
The symptoms of mesothelioma can vary based on the type of cancer and its location. The cancer usually develops on the lining lining the lungs. However, it may also develop on the lining of the stomach or heart. Symptoms of mesothelioma include chest pain, coughing and difficulty breathing. In certain instances, the cancer could spread to other areas of the body, such as the brain.
Mesothelioma can be classified into three distinct types based on the location where the cancer is forming. About mesothelioma is a cancer caused by what 88% of mesothelioma patients have epithelioid cancer, which responds well to treatments. Sarcomatoid mesothelioma, which is found in 10% of all diagnoses, is more aggressive and is harder to treat.
The only known risk factor for mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma can develop 20-60 years after exposure to asbestos. It is crucial to be aware of your asbestos history and be alert to any potential symptoms. Veterans are particularly aware of the dangers. Asbestos was utilized in military bases as well as on ships, therefore those who served in the Navy or other branches of the military are at greater risk of developing mesothelioma than people who worked on the civilian workforce.